HANDBAG HEAVEN:

If you’re wary of buying clothing online because of sizing issues, handbags may very well be fashion’s greatest equalizer, mattering not whether you’re thin or fat, short or tall. Yet Canadians have never had access to the range of bags available in the US, not to mention those deep discounts. Thankfully, online shopping has helped level the playing field.

Offering thousands of brand name labels, free shipping to Canada with no minimum purchase, and an impressive sale section, Revolve Clothing is a fashionista’s dream come true. Be sure to check out their Style Blog for the best looks of the season as well as their seasonal Style Guide brought to you by a revolving roster of celebrity stylists such as Rachel Zoe and Jessica Paster.

For fashion fresh off the runways, Net-a-Porter is your one-stop shopping solution for nabbing the most coveted designer handbags of the season. Offering great sales and a well edited range of brands, N-A-P also adds customs fees into the price so there are no surprises when your package arrives.

For those who never tire of shopping at high-end department stores, Neiman Marcus boasts a bounty of handbags to suit all budgets. Check out everything from fashion to home décor and then call their 24-hour hotline to place your order. Make sure to visit the Last Call Clearance section for shocking deals, but be sure to jump quickly. They seldom last long.

With an impressive selection of the hottest, up-and-coming lines like Rebecca Minkoff, Jenny Yuen, and Bulga, cozy online boutique Delcina has earned a devout following amongst discerning handbag aficionados. Not to be missed? The “Deal of the Week” featuring a selected handbag of the moment for up to 40% off.SHOPPING AIDS:

The Purse Forum is where die-hard worshippers assemble to discuss all things handbag. Be it a lively debate over the latest “it bag,” verifying a handbag’s authenticity on ebay, or asking for help choosing a purse from other like-minded enablers, TPF is handbag heaven. College sweethearts Megs and Vlad (Meaghan Mahoney and Vladimir Dusil) founded the site in 2005 after meeting on swimming scholarships. Of special note: www.purseblog.com where Megs features the latest and greatest handbag discoveries. Be sure to check out the sub-forums for in-depth deconstruction of your favourite brands. Best of all, (not to mention highly dangerous to the wallet) the “Deals and Steals” forum proves a godsend for finding great sales and killer coupon codes.

Kicking yourself that you missed out on Proenza Schoeler’s line for Target? Found a fantastic deal but the site doesn’t ship to Canada? Fear not. Access USA is a parcel forwarding service that has been making Canadians happy since 1997. A secret weapon amongst truly savvy shoppers, just sign up with the service to get your own bona-fide US-based address and Access USA will forward your goodies under your special instructions.

NICHE SITES:

For those who seem to have it all when it comes to handbags, these specialized sites offer purse accessories that no handbag lover could live without!

PURSE HOOKS:
For women who want to protect their investment, a purse hook is simply a must-have. If you’ve ever dined out and wondered where to put your handbag, the following companies offer great options to ensure you’ll never put your bag on the floor again. It’s also quite the conversation starter!

If you can’t get enough of large handbags, The Purse Hook offers elegant hooks in gold or platinum in a simple, classic design. Nearly indestructible, these patent pending hooks hold up to a staggering 34 pounds.

No larger than a hoop earring, Luxe Link offers a range of pretty purse hook options to choose from. Store your bag while you dine, then dazzle with their mirrored version for a quick makeup touch-up.

Bearing different emblems, with a portion of proceeds donated to charity, The Purse Pal is stylish, practical and ethical. For those who crave some added bling, be sure to check out their flowered Swarovski crystal offerings.

PURSE ORGANIZERS AND WALLETS:

If you’re one of those people who can never find anything in their bottomless handbag, a purse organizer is simply life changing. Love your bags but never have time to switch purses and show off your collection? This unique device allows you to lift the contents out of one bag into another in seconds flat. Possibly the best invention ever!

Boasting bright colours, a built in spot for your cosmetic bag and slots for cards, pens, and cell phone, The Chameleon allows you quick and easy access to your items. Made of lightweight yet sturdy nylon, its protective bottom also keeps your purse safe from messy ink mishaps.

Similar to The Chameleon, but operating under a different design concept is The Purseket. Instead of a bag within a bag, this long panel of pockets unfurls around the base of your handbag, giving the added benefit of shape to unstructured bags. Die-hard Louis Vuitton lovers swear by The Purseket.

Operating on the same principle as the Purseket, The Joey Jr. offers a lively array of fabrics that include luxurious ultra-suede, not to mention fresh patterns such as camouflage and zebra.

For busy women on the go, Sewnsational offers unique travel wallets in a variety of whimsical designs. Stuff these organizational wonders with airline tickets, passport, receipts and documents and they remain remarkably slender, providing some serious storage space.